The identity of a woman killed when she was run over by a rotary mower after she apparently became disoriented and fell in high weeds has been identified.

Mary Thomas, 74, suffered from dementia, according to the Preble County Sheriff’s Office. She was struck by a bush hog mower driven by her husband, who was unable to see her, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The weeds were to the point he’d never know she was there until she was struck,” Preble County Sheriff Michael Simpson said. “It is our understanding she was on the ground, not able to be seen.”

Emergency crews were dispatched to the 1800 block of Swisher Mill Road at 6:26 a.m. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene and removed to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy is scheduled to be performed today.

“I don’t know if this one could have been prevented,” the sheriff said. “This is just a very tragic accident.”

A brush hog is a type of rotary mower, which typically attaches to the back of a farm tractor.

The case is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office.

Do not generalize so quickly. She recieved EXCELLANT care. Her husband was very devoted to her. They were high school sweethearts and did the Peace Corps together. Everywhere they went, they were together. There is no way in Hell I would want to be in that man's shoes right now. Read up on Dementia and the behaviors of those afflected before you say she needed better care.